The Bill arises from concerns expressed by ratepayers about the strong growth of local government expenditure and the resulting increases in rates. It also arises from the need for local government, which is a significant component of the economy, to positively contribute to the Government's economic goals. Read more
We made our first submission on these issues in November 2004 and our last submission was in July 2009. Throughout we have been greatly concerned about the implications for investment in infrastructure of the never-ending litigation and re-litigation of pricing issues. Read more
In our view issues relating to Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act need to be seen in the context of the government’s overriding goal of lifting average New Zealand incomes to Australian levels by 2025. As the minister of labour notes in the foreword to the Discussion Document, “The Government aims to put employment relations on sound and solid footings so that New Zealand can focus on building more productive businesses and higher wages.” To achieve that goal, major improvements in labour productivity growth are required, given the slump in productivity growth resulting in large part from ill-conceived policies of the previous government. Read more
In our view issues relating to Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act need to be seen in the context of the government’s overriding goal of lifting average New Zealand incomes to Australian levels by 2025. As the minister of labour notes in the foreword to the Discussion Document, “The Government aims to put employment relations on sound and solid footings so that New Zealand can focus on building more productive businesses and higher wages.” To achieve that goal, major improvements in labour productivity growth are required, given the slump in productivity growth resulting in large part from ill-conceived policies of the previous government. Read more
Compulsory students’ association membership (CSM), as opposed to voluntary students’ association membership (VSM), is an anachronism. Students’ associations are incorporated societies formed by members with common interests and are akin to the Automobile Association, the Consumers' Institute, staff associations and sporting clubs. Read more
This submission on the Ministry of Economic Development discussion document Cartel Criminalisation is made by the New Zealand Business Roundtable, an organisation comprising primarily chief executives of major business firms. The purpose of the organisation is to contribute to the development of sound public policies that reflect overall national interests. Read more
In our view, issues relating to Part 9 of the Employment Relations Act 2000 need to be seen in the context of the government’s overriding goal of lifting average New Zealand incomes to Australian levels by 2025. To achieve that goal, major improvements in labour productivity growth are required, given the staggering decline in recent productivity growth rates with the ill-conceived policies of the previous government. Read more
While improved governance arrangements for Auckland are a commendable first step, the Forum believes that much work remains if local government is to contribute fully to lifting overall economic performance. Broader reform of local government, which the government is progressing separately, can assist. Read more
Recent events show that the international climate change context is less certain than previously anticipated. We think that the current emissions trading scheme is too rigid and may in fact frustrate the delivery of the outcomes sought from it. Read more
A national interest perspective in the context of the Law Commissions’ inquiry means giving primacy to the interests of consumers. In respect of alcohol, it does not, as in the days of pervasive controls on competition in the liquor industry, mean favouring producer interests. Read more
The Business Roundtable appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the thinking of your Taskforce. We strongly support the government’s goal of bridging the income gap with Australia by 2025. Read more
In our view the general context in which policy related to the Telecommunications Services Obligation (TSO) should be set is the government’s goal of closing the per capita income gap with Australia by 2025. Achieving that goal will require a sustained commitment to the adoption of institutions and policies of the highest order. Read more
The Business Roundtable believes that policy development on climate change entered a more constructive phase in 2009. We were critical of the previous government’s ‘carbon neutrality’ ambitions because of their enormous potential adverse economic impact; the lack of an adequate regulatory impact analysis as a basis for policy; many design features of its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS); and the rushed process. Read more
The New Zealand Business Roundtable welcomes the review of the Holidays Act 2003 which is one of the most problematic areas of New Zealand employment law. We believe it needs to be substantially reformed on a first-principles basis. Read more
We regard the NZIER and Infometrics as reputable consultancy organisations. Having said that, we cannot emphasise too strongly that the NZIER/Infometrics report isnot a Regulatory Impact Statement. Read more